This is an easy-growing herb that thrives on neglect. Drought hardy and deer resistant, this perennial is also known as Catnip. Lacy grey/green foliage is topped with spires of blossoms in early summer, with repeat blooming throughout the season. Flowers can be white, pink or lavender.

Though not from the true mint family, this native American herb provides a very respectable substitute and has a long history of culinary use. The first botanical records of this plant come from French botanist Andre Michaux's notes from the late 18th century, as a result of his expedition through the mountains of Pennsylvania. The formidable genus name "Pycnanthemum" comes from Latin words meaning "many clustered flowers," while the species name "pilosum" means "softly hairy" in reference to the texture of the foliage.

This charming variety of wood mint also has the name of Hairy Pagoda Plant because of its unusual stacked clusters of flowers. Botanist Frederick Pursh was the first to describe this native plant, publishing it in his Flora Americae Septenrionalis in 1814. Its genus name "Blephilia" means "eyelash," in reference to the fringes of soft hairs on the blossoms. In the wild, Hairy Wood Mint grows in rich woodland soil or in sheltered areas.

Though not a member of the mint family, this plant has a distinct herbal scent that has hints of citrus. Because its leaves contain citronellol, the essential oil distilled from this plant has a repellent effect on insects. The genus name Monarda honors Spanish botanist Nicolas Bautista Monardes, who studied herbal and medicinal plants from North America during the 16th century. The species name "citriodora" comes from Latin words meaning "having a citrus aroma."

Though not from the true mint family, this native American herb provides a very respectable substitute and has a long history of culinary use. The first botanical records of this plant come from French botanist Andre Michaux's notes from the late 18th century, as a result of his expedition through the frontier of Pennsylvania. The formidable genus name "Pycnanthemum" comes from Latin words meaning "many clustered flowers," while the species name "virginianum" means "of Virginia."

This variety of mint grows wild in many temperate countries around the world, and is sometimes considered a weed because of its profuse growth. It has numerous culinary and medicinal uses, since its leaves contain a valuable essential oil. Mint received its name from the Greek legend of "Minthe," a river nymph who was turned into a lowly plant to be trodden underfoot; the stimulating, sweet smell perpetuated her memory.